Rare ‘Bone Collector’ Caterpillar Uses Prey as Camouflage in Hawaii

Deep within the forests of Oahu, Hawaii, scientists have uncovered a fascinating yet eerie creature: a carnivorous caterpillar nicknamed the “Bone Collector.” This newly identified species, belonging to the Hyposmocoma genus, has a unique survival strategy involving wearing its prey’s body parts as camouflage.

According to GMA Network, the caterpillar resides in spider webs nestled in tree hollows and rock crevices. It scavenges dead insects trapped in the web, using their remains to construct a protective silk case. This macabre disguise allows the caterpillar to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, avoiding detection by spiders that would otherwise prey on it.

The Bone Collector’s Unique Behavior

Unlike typical caterpillars that feed on leaves, the Bone Collector thrives on a diet of insects caught in spider webs. Dr. Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist at the University of Hawaii, explained, “This caterpillar lives in the lion’s den, using the spider’s web for food and shelter while avoiding becoming prey itself.”

“Invasive species are the main threat now. Even in protected areas, Hawaii is losing native species due to invasive species taking over habitats and turning them into biological deserts that look like forests but are largely unavailable to native species,” Rubinoff said.

A Rare and Vulnerable Species

The Bone Collector caterpillar is incredibly rare, with only 62 specimens observed over two decades of fieldwork. Its habitat spans just 5.8 square miles in the Waianae mountain range, making it highly vulnerable to invasive species and environmental changes. Conservationists are calling for urgent measures to protect this unique insect.

The vast majority of caterpillars eat vegetation. Predatory caterpillars make up less than 0.13% of the nearly 200,000 moth and butterfly species on the planet. Among them, the “bone collector” is the only species known to find food in its distinctive way, making it unique among the world’s animals.

Evolutionary Marvel and Cannibalistic Tendencies

Genetic studies suggest that the Bone Collector diverged from its carnivorous relatives over five million years ago, predating the formation of Oahu. In addition to scavenging, the caterpillar exhibits cannibalistic behavior, attacking other caterpillars of its kind when food is scarce.

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